Pin It A comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole combining classic chili dogs in a baked, cheesy format—perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
I first made this chili dog casserole for a game night when I needed something hearty that everyone would love. It's been a staple at gatherings ever since.
Ingredients
- Beef hot dogs: 8, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Prepared chili: 2 cups (about 450 g), homemade or canned, with or without beans
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups (170 g)
- Hot dog buns: 6, sliced in half
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon, melted
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions: 2 tablespoons (optional garnish)
- Sour cream: 2 tablespoons (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Prepare Buns:
- Arrange the halved hot dog buns cut-side up in the baking dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Add Hot Dogs and Onion:
- Scatter sliced hot dogs evenly over the buns. Sprinkle chopped onion over the hot dogs.
- Add Chili and Cheese:
- Pour chili evenly over the hot dog mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chives or green onions and dollops of sour cream, if desired. Serve hot.
Pin It This casserole always reminds me of summer gatherings, when everyone crowds around the table for seconds.
Notes & Variations
Try swapping cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy twist. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad.
Required Tools
Have a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish handy, plus a knife, cutting board, and a small bowl for mixing melted butter with garlic powder.
Allergen & Nutrition Information
This recipe contains wheat (hot dog buns), dairy (cheese, butter, sour cream), and may contain soy or gluten (check labels on hot dogs and chili). Per serving: 440 calories, 26 g fat, 31 g carbohydrates, 18 g protein.
Pin It Dig in while it’s warm for the ultimate comfort food experience—don’t forget the garnishes for extra flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use turkey or vegetarian hot dogs?
Yes, turkey or plant-based hot dogs work well as alternatives, offering lighter or vegetarian-friendly options without sacrificing flavor.
- → What cheese can I substitute for cheddar?
Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheeses provide excellent flavor variations while maintaining good meltability for this dish.
- → How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Brushing the sliced buns with melted butter before layering helps keep them slightly crisp during baking.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the layers and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, but bake fresh for best texture and flavor.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Chopped fresh chives or green onions add freshness, while sour cream provides creamy tartness to balance the richness.